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British and Irish Lions: Rory Best delighted after joining up with rest of the squad

Rory Best says he is living the dream after arriving in Hong Kong to join up with the British and Irish Lions squad.

Last Updated: 29/05/13 8:26pm

Rory Best (C): Feeling at home after joining up with rest of Lions squad

The 30-year-old Ireland hooker has been called up by the Lions for the first time in his career after Dylan Hartley was ruled out of the tour of Australia through suspension.

The squad is currently stationed in the Far East ahead of their clash with the Barbarians at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday, before they head Down Under to play Western Force next Wednesday.

"For every rugby player that is qualified, it's their dream to get that call-up and know you're going to meet up with 36 of the best players in the UK and Ireland," Best told Sky Sports News.

"Everyone here has made it feel that way as well, which is the good thing about it.

"There is plenty of fun going around but at the end of the day the key thing is the stuff you do on the pitch and that is going well too. Everyone is pulling together for the one goal, which is the important thing."

It has been a hectic two days for Best but the Ulster player says he has just about got his bearings following a trip of over six thousand miles.

He added: "I got the phone call on Sunday, had two flights on Monday. I left home at seven o'clock on Monday morning and got into Hong Kong at whatever time it was on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

"So it's been a strange couple of days but it's been great. Training was good today (Wendesday) and we're starting to get our feet a bit more on the ground and know the lay of the land a bit better."

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